Archive for March, 2010
Bentley Mulsanne High-Speed Testing
Mar 4th
AutoExpress was lucky enough to join Bentley engineers during some of their final testing of the new Bentley Mulsanne in South Africa.
From the article: “We’re travelling serenely down a dual carriageway, listening carefully for any rattles or squeaks from the car. There’s a faint hiss from the tyres touching the tarmac, a little wind noise coming from the wing mirrors, but that’s all. My chauffeur for the day looks over his shoulder: “Feeling comfortable?”
The driver is none other than Dr Ulrich Eichorn, Bentley’s engineering chief and the man behind the MkI Ford Focus and MkV VW Golf. Reclining in the sumptuous rear seats I stretch my legs out and watch some TV, while the South African landscape flies past the window. It’s an even more stunning sight that catches the eye though, the speedometer is registering 180mph, while the tachometer is settled at an unstrained 4,200rpm.
“Don’t worry, we have a special government-approved high-speed testing permit on the rear bumper – we’re allowed to drive at these speeds,” Eichorn assures me..”
Read the full article: [AutoExpress]
Bentley Superleggera Flying Star at Geneva 2010
Mar 4th
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has unveiled a shooting brake version of the Continental GT, custom built for an avid collector, and have announced they will build up to 20 examples. Carrozzeria has been better known for their work with Maseratis over the past few years, but according to AutoExpress this car has proven to be one of the favorites at Geneva this year.
This car is based on the Bentley Continental GTC Speed, with extensive modifications from the A-pillars back, including widening the rear bodywork, re-skinning the doors, and re-working the rear compartment to include two folding rear seats. With the rear seats folded flat, the car can hold about 42 cubic feet of cargo. Touring Superleggera claims that four sets of golf clubs can be accommodated with the rear seats up.
Touring Superleggera and Bentley Motors have developed a special mutual warranty program, which safeguards warranty clauses for both the basic car, and the transformation by Touring. The car will be serviced at Bentley dealers.
source: [Carrozzeria Touring][AutoExpress]